The Successful Mistake of Disney-MGM Studios

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On May 1st, 1989 Disney-MGM Studios opened. The park was physically much smaller than both the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, and it only featured two attractions at opening, The Great Movie Ride and the Studio Backlot Tour but rather surprisingly given these facts it opened to overwhelming success.
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[@ReviewTyme]

Go to nordvpn.com/reviewtyme to get 73% off the 2-year plan plus 4 additional months free, only $3.18 per month!

[@SenorSchnitz]

the hat was removed in 2015 - not 2014.

[@patrickperalta59]

ReviewTyme, also during the Mid 90's Disney MGM Studios Also had WCW wrestling taped there from 1996 untill 2001 when WCW was sold to WWE.

[@brinthorne]

I never appreciated how lucky I was to go to Disney/MGM back when it was still fulfilling its original vision. I got to take the Backlot Tour and sit in the audience of some TV game show they were filming, and do the Animation Tour to watch them actually doing the animation work for Aladdin, complete with photos of Keanu Reeves on the desks for visual inspiration and reference.

[@joejacko1587]

now you have to go to korea to see that

[@MsSaraKirkpatrick]

I feel so lucky I grew up here and got to go there during this time also

[@ZontarDow]

Personally I think Hollywood Studios died with the closing of the Great Movie Ride, especially since while the name would imply that it's the park that would be home to movie tie ins, they're now in every park so there's simply nothing special about it. Frankly with how things are changing they may as well call it Disney's Florida Adventure and add a Radiator Springs area to it at this point.

[@sideeswipe]

The fact that park recently only had four attractions open and Disney still got away with charging full price for admission was almost impressive

[@tulinfirenze1990]

Some might say criminal.

[@UmmYeahOk]

I believe you are mistaken. It had a TON of attractions. You were just ignoring anything that did not count as a “ride.” Technically you could argue that it had five “rides” if you count the backlot tour, which, in the beginning, lasted THREE HOURS. (Yes, there were bathroom breaks). It always bothered me when people would call MGM Studios a “half day park.” They are clearly not shopping, eating, or watching any of the amazing daytime or night time shows. It’s like people complaining about EPCOT or AK, because there’s not enough rides. There are other things to do, other things to experience.

[@sideeswipe]

@@UmmYeahOk uh no it only had four rides for a while with tower of terror, rocking roller coaster, star tours and midway mania. And for a brief period of time only had three when midway mania was closed before toy story land. Shows don’t count as rides and no one goes to a park just to watch shows, especially when they’re decades old. So yes Hollywood studios was a half day park there’s no denying that but now it’s arguably more of a full day park, but it still needs more rides

[@sideeswipe]

@@tulinfirenze1990 And I would agree with those people

[@UmmYeahOk]

@@sideeswipe So… …The Great Movie “RIDE” wasn’t a fifth ride? It was an opening day attraction, but not a ride? Your original comment was “four ATTRACTIONS” not “four RIDES.” But if you don’t count the Back Lot Tour where you literally “ride” in a tram, I guess you wouldn’t count an indoor version of the same. MGM Studios was about experiencing the magic of the movies. You literally got to watch animators work on the Disney Decades greatest masterpieces. The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and Lights Motors Action showed you how they performed those stunts, just as part of the original tour showed you how they did other special effects. Maybe it was a product of it’s time, but it was really cool seeing all these props from your favorite movies and learning about the latest Disney animated movie before anyone back home knew about it. The stage shows were also a nice touch since most people visiting would never get to see Broadway musicals, and this was back when Disney didn’t have its own Broadway shows. But still, even with construction, my family somehow always managed to make a full day out of it, with stuff we did not even get a chance to experience. I mean, I haven’t ridden ToT since 2005, when it was literally a walk on. I haven’t ever ridden Rocking Roller Coaster. At least, not at that park. And my daughter, who’s gone every year since 2015 has still not seen Indy. It just sounds like you’re the type of person who goes to AK without even looking at any of the animals (Safari included). I mean, if all you are after is rides, it just seems like that’s a TON of money wasted, when Six Flags would do.

[@JacobHarding]

As a child I loved Mickeys Sorcerer’s hat, my family and I all referred to the park as “Mickey’s Hat”, and were sad when it was taken away. Granted now I’m glad it’s gone because the Chinese theater being in view is so much better.

[@changkwangoh]

We referred to it as the BAH - BIG ASS HAT. 🤣

[@timprussell]

I missed it at first but yes the view of the theater is good. It opened that area up, was there at March break and really enjoyed the animation projection show they did at 9PM. With Fantasmic! not running at the time it was nice there was a smaller night time show.

[@JustinCoasters]

Disney's Hollywood Studios isn't in Hollywood And it's not a Studios And it's just barely a Disney

[@troytrotter1569]

I worked there in the early 90's in the Entertainment Department. Back then it had a lot of "live" shows throughout the park. If you went there back then good chance you saw a Backstreet Boy performing before he was a Backstreet Boy. ;) It was one of the best times working at Disney. I haven't been back in almost 15 years. I just know they are now focusing more on Star Wars and Toy Story.

[@PS-zw4yc]

Ack then it was very cool all about the experience now it’s all about the billing

[@michaeltaylor1603]

This was the basis of "how" Disneyland was to start. People wanted a tour of the studios. Walt said "Who wants to look @ grumpy animators at a desk?" LOL! Themed parks (even Disney parks) MUST evolve to adapt to the guests "needs" Walt even had to bend to this & even "plussed" what he had created. Capacity was one element. Examples, Matterhorn, Small World, Prates, Space Mountain....I went when studios had Millionaire. I did back stage tour & GMR. I WILL return to see new changes. These parks "must" evolve & adapt to stay relevant & respect their loyal fan base as well.

[@thecrazydisneyparksfanatic921]

But I do miss the studios of old too though because of rides and shows I grew up on

[@stanfordite]

No they must not evolve. They can survive on their names alone and when I seize Disney in a hostile takeover and make it great again, they will. Fans are idiots and rubes who will like anything. Quoth P.T. Barnum: "There's a sucker born every minute."

[@daniellilly7591]

I worked MK Guest Relations during the years of the studio opening through Star Tours & Honey, I Shrunk The Kids. It was an embarrassment to us trying to explain to guests why there was so little over there. And it's sad because there was SO much potential and the things they did well were REALLY done well. But trying to convince a guest that 50's Prime Time Cafe was an event/attraction in and of itself was a hard sell to someone who plunked down a couple hundred bucks for a 4 Day Passport only to find that the studios were, at best, a half day's worth of stuff to experience.

[@tulinfirenze1990]

I went to the US with my then GF in 2001 and of course visited WDW. MGM was not only our least favourite WDW park - it was our LEAST favourite park in all of central Florida, BAR NONE! It was the park we probably spent the least amount of time in and their Fantasmic is a JOKE!

[@ianbourgault7462]

Loving the new format! You and Luke feed my theme park addiction. Thank you for all your hard work!

[@paulcaridi4964]

I liked the Sorcerers hat. The Chinese theater is isn't originally Disney, it just feels off. It's not even considered an icon, The Tower of Terror is.

[@cadenok9792]

Disney’s Hyperion park would be a good name for California adventure since they’ve moved away from the California theme

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

Even if the literal studio aspect of the park was quickly made irrelevant, the actual studio theme was incredibly important to the park. It worked as a thematic glue to tie all the attractions together. Disney treats the park as an IP dumping ground today, but I don't even care because they got rid of the one thing that would make thematic sense. Despite also having a number of new and shiny attractions. the park still doesn't feel like it has enough to do. It just feels like a mess and would easily be the worst U.S. Disney park if DCA didn't exist.

[@Pissgremlin5964]

All the IPs in the park is sickening. Creativity is gone at Disney.

[@mattk.3645]

The actual Universal Studios (not the fake one in Florida) used to be just a tour with a few shows. Disney MGM Studios was similarly conceived.

[@christopherthedisneydude6621]

13:47 I remember that from your podcast episode about DCA! You need to get the jackets and caps! 🤣🤣🤣

[@patfer1189]

The one show actively shooting at the soundstage section of MGM Studios in late 90's was Mortal Kombat Conquest. The town, made of a few small blocks with the Kung Lao store/house in the middle, was built in one of those soundstages and you could visit it (from afar) during the tour section of the park.

[@johnboy4025]

Eisner was great until the mid 90’s. Losing Frank Wells took its toll

[@Pantheragem]

Looking back, it's pretty cut and dry.

[@tulinfirenze1990]

It was the exact turning point. The EuroDisneyland debacle had just fully set in and the Disney decade was losing its way. Frank's death pushed Eisner over the edge into a heart attack and then micro-managing penny pinching. That led to DCA and WD Studios Paris and eventually was enough for Roy E. to start "Save Disney". End of story.

[@paulcaridi4964]

For me, at this point, Hollywood Studios should be a celebration of its media studios. A Pixar, Lucasfilm, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Marvel section.

[@thegreatpacoasters3134]

Your videos used to be much more enjoyable, not that I hate your face but I came to see throwback pictures of Disney... please go back to the old format

[@tulinfirenze1990]

I kinda have to agree.

[@chuc98]

Videos of the backlot tour and animation tour does it no justice. It was amazing! It didn’t matter that there were only a handful of attractions…it worked…until the Florida state legislature basically became hostile toward movie production in the state. That killed production and ultimately led to the transformation of the park. Pretty sure the two sound stages are there still, they house the Toy Story Mania ride.

[@allenslucher8555]

dude... your castle in the back....... *drool..... WANT!!!! haha FYI - love how you are on camera lately! It hasn't bothered me that you've been off camera before, but I want to make sure you feel my appreciation! Nice job, as always!!

[@andyknapp]

I'm pretty sure that's the Lego Disney castle. You can buy it but it's pretty pricy lol

[@allenslucher8555]

@@andyknapp yeah? I have to find it! Thanks :)

[@johnzywko5885]

Please bring back the great movie ride for starts…..

[@thegermanassassin9652]

I miss old MGM there's nothing like it anymore

[@RhodeIslandDude]

I purchased two copies of the lottery with Bette Midler. I love them and I watch him at least twice a week.

[@RankingTheMouse]

Fantastic work, Dom. Incredible video.

[@jondavidtheauthor6318]

Former Great Movie Ride Cast Member here. Great video and I love the Donald merch on your shelf! ;)

[@daniellilly7591]

Y'all did a GREAT job on that attraction!-MK Guest Relations CM

[@gnease42]

Loved how you worked in that hitchhiker’s reference…..

[@Andronos]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who caught that

[@edvaira6891]

California Adventure is, by far, NOT a failure…it was definitely helped by the 2011-12 revamp, but it is, right now, a VERY solid park!

[@ThatRollerCoasterNerd]

It was originally… when it opened. Disney has stated that when it opened it was loosing money

[@Anynom]

I actually didn't get to MGM studios until early 1990, right after Star Tours opened. The time was different then, it felt more exciting with a third gate and the two-hour tour took up a lot with the other rides so it felt like an all-day thing. It took Tower of Terror to really make it a "must" park and begin to shift from a real studio to more the theme park.

[@ScholarTheTerminator94]

NO DON’T HATE TOWER OF TERROR

[@stanfordite]

To paraphrase George Wallace: MGM today, MGM tomorrow, MGM forever. Not only will The Great Movie Ride return one day The park will one day bear the MGM name once again, especially after Congress breaks up Disney and the other media giants, brings back the old studio system, and MGM returns to its former glory in the hands of the descendants of the great Louis B. Mayer and with "more stars than there are in the heavens" under contract again. Galaxy's Edge will hopefully be replaced with Munchkinland from The Wizard of Oz.

[@590488]

I sure hope not, especially because "munchkinland" is offensive by today's standards

[@stanfordite]

@@590488 No it's not offensive. If I say something's not offensive, it's not offensive, period. Nobody will miss Star Wars in Disney theme parks and everybody will love the idea of the Wicked Witch walking around a Disney theme park.

[@GingaNinjaTV13]

I think the Sorcerer’s hat was removed in 2015, not 2014

[@Emike-nc9ew]

I hoped cinemagic was the new name,i mean its not a studio anymore,and still remain that air of being inside movies.

[@willetthomas9992]

Disney's CineMagic Universe

[@brandoncordy733]

I love this

[@Dytunck]

You really should say "whilst" more. I don't think 18 times was near enough.

[@tulinfirenze1990]

Kinda like how Americans say "If I WOULD HAVE known before I did .....", instead of "If I'd known..." or "If I knew..."

[@jaydenchrist6152]

This theme park should be name Disney Legend.

[@jaydenchrist6152]

Disneys Hollywood Studios is my Favorite Disney park lol.

[@Texaslawhorn]

Do it for Bette Midler! ❤👍

[@watcheri5742]

PLEASE DISNEY LEAVE FLORIDAS TOWER OF TERROR ALONE. I LOVE THE AVENGERS BUT I DO NOT WANT IT TO BE AN AVENGERS RIDE INSTEAD USE NEW TECH AND 3d mapping to revamp and take the tower of terror to the next level. . The voyage in the car. To The drop zone could be taken to a new level today. There is also a lot of space around that ride to expand the preshow and really make belief suspending experience

[@horaciolinares8597]

It's a shame the Great Movie Ride was taken away from us!!as well as the backlot tour ! It was the best ride that encapsulated all the movie Greats! I understand about movie rights issues. But this ride was much better than what is in there now. I'm not a fan about going on a ride and it be all screens versus animatronics.

[@TheGoodWario]

14:39 Nice hitchhiker's ref :3 The movie was actually produced by Disney (Via Touchstone)

[@derekcurrent6353]

I miss this as MGM Studios, yeah there weren’t many rides the but as a kid I really liked how it took you into how movies were made. You had the animation tour, the folly stage show (always had a blast there), just so many things that no one appreciates. For sure early on it was a half day park, but we always did this as our “down” day because it was usually less crowded and like you said, paired it with one of the water parks or Disney Quest/ Downtown Disney (at the time).

[@ethanpower1924]

I JUST LOVE THIS NEW FORMAT and youu look soo handsome in the video too. Great video and i love to see more videos like this in the future 😃

[@CapeSIX]

This park was amazing back in my childhood… it’s a shame what it’s become…

[@orlandotouristtraps7410]

Even with all the new additions and large themed lands people are not really pleased with Hollywood Studios. They say there isn't enough to do there. Although it may have to do with the fact they still have Indiana Jones and the Little Mermaid live shows shut down. Supposedly due to Covid but it now seems clear they are just saving money.

[@44bthknuckles]

its similiar to universal studios florida its not about the back stage experiace anymore its about movie franchising,universal studios hollywood which the mgm studios backlot tour was inpired by the in hollywood one thats what is keeping universal studios alive,otherwise it would look like universal studios.there was a time when studio parks were big but not anymore now your left with the memories and nostalgia.

[@Kodachrome40]

The park has slipped away from the original movie theme probably because of technology today people can make their own movies and television shows in their own homes. Like yourself.

[@sosaix3545]

This made a lot of people very angry, and has been widely regarded as a bad move. Ok, Douglas Adams...

[@kattallen9706]

I absolutely love your history vedios. Gives a better perspective on the "why" of it . And your vedios are always fun to just listen to

[@racheljackson4428]

yeah the videos are very informitive.

[@brycevo]

That title is way too accurate

[@FanThemePark]

You deserve more subs! Always watch your new videos. Great job!

[@richwhiteboii2983]

I love that somehow the guy from universal with the pointy nose has something to say here laces out dan

[@Totes1829]

Hollywood Studios is my favorite park

[@mattstecker]

I can't believe that disney still has that beauty and the beast show and the little mermaid show those shows are so outdated they have been there since the early 90s and stayed the same since and have been there ever since those shows have been there for almost 30 years now I think its time that disney replaced them a couple of new shows or new attractions same thing with Indiana jones stunt spectacular that shows been there since the park opened in 1989 I think disney dosent know what to do with them lol I think they need to be replaced its funny that they closed the great movie ride but they won't close the outdated shows

[@tulinfirenze1990]

I saw the BaTB show in 2001 and it was BLOODY OLD THEN!!!!!!!

[@mattstecker]

@@tulinfirenze1990 I know I agree I don't know why disney dosent replace old shows they need to put something else there its been 30 years since that show has been there that show has run its course its about time that they put something new there in that space

[@mattstecker]

Lol they are not afraid to get rid of the great movie ride which I really miss I won't even go on mickeys runaway coaster I skip it but they don't want to get rid of a show that's 30 years old makes no sense

[@christophera.turner3394]

Twenty Centry Fox Hollywood Studios

[@atribecalledjudah5436]

You’ve been reading Disney War huh?

[@shutch3849]

This man does a perfect voice over.

[@AllRound_GG]

From 1993 to 1997, World Championship Wrestling use to shoot "WCW Worldwide", "WCW Pro" and "WCW Prime" programs at Disney/MGM studios. They also shot a few episodes of WCW Nitro at the studios as Ted Turner's "TNT" TV truck's were busy broadcasting the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

[@JamesonThomas24]

I love the green and purple lighting!

[@aryelynet228]

I love the Cinemagic name and would have loved to see them go with that

[@alexv1024]

No that's a defunct channel

[@aryelynet228]

@@alexv1024 They could reuse the name if they wanted to

[@jessemask2562]

The Park of Misfit Rides

[@saturdaymorningfan3123]

Can you do a history of universal studios japan "cool summer" events video in the future? So many rides and shows at cool summer that no other universal park in the world got.

[@luciferbox5577]

I was fortunate enough to visit Disney/MGM Studios several times and really enjoyed it. And with each visit it got better and better. A shame Catastrophe Canyon and the Boneyard are no longer there, because they were two of my favourite parts of the park. With the completion of Galaxy’s Edge, does that mean that Star Tours no longer exists?

[@anthonymaddox6515]

I started going down to WDW in 1992. My first trip with one of my friends that year was a new adventure as we both had grown up in southern California going to Disneyland. We had a couple of people that we knew who had been and asked them. They said a 5 day trip was long enough as you would spend 1 day at Magic Kingdom, 2 days for Epcot and a 1/2 day for Disney MGM. We decided to do Disney MGM the first day and that would allow us to get over any jet lag we would have by spending only a 1/2 day and to get back to the hotel for a good night sleep. Well, we loved Disney MGM we ended up spending 2.5 days there. A day at Epcot and a day at Magic Kingdom. As we were leaving of our plane we looked at each other as we were flying out of Orlando and said we want to come back. We came back 2 years later with 3 more friends and again spent 2 days at Disney MGM (our total trip was a 8 days this time). If you are looking for a new name for the Park. How about Disney Florida Adventure (DFA)?

[@shridhartargaryen]

Great video as always. Love this channels great variety of videos, especially the history ones! Your hard work is not unnoticed, love from Malaysia!💛 p.s:OH, and love the sponsorship too😂

[@pukestar]

I love where you totally quote Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy @14:39 🙂

[@mr.tomraypaz6085]

I remember going to Disney [then MGM] Hollywood Studios when film production actually happened. Hard to believe it has been like 20 years since anything (live action) was filmed there.

[@johnzywko5885]

Disney is too big to stay stagnant…new, fresh and bold ideas will always be needed…Disney owns enough movies to feed off their successes..and create mini themes within…the great movie ride,backlot westerns and tours will always work.

[@jakekuhl1]

I know as theme park fans we normally talk down and call studio parks lazy but I honestly miss and enjoyed that theming lol

[@jonleibow3604]

"Disney's Lucasfilm & Marvel Studios"

[@tswanson7354]

I went September of 89. I enjoyed the park a lot even with only a handful of attractions. It was a fun day and a welcome early evening on a jam packed week with heading to Busch Gardens and other theme parks in the area besides the existing Disney ones

[@megandunklin6147]

It needs to be change to pop culture land, since that's purely what it has become now with Star Wars and Pixar.

[@Taydar]

It proves that you need to adapt quickly and not get stuck with an outdated concept, just because that was the original plan.

[@523matrix]

thank you for the creative ad! this was the first time i didn't skip forward past a nord vpn sponsorship

[@bassjasinski]

Great video and wish Disney would have named it Disney Adventure Kingdom or Movie Kingdom lol

[@JustinCoasters]

Its not even Friday. Thank You

[@alexv1024]

It will be renamed to Disney-Fox studios

[@EjWillYum]

You always tell the truth about your reviews...thats why you are the best theme park reviewer.

[@jameswarda6118]

Excellent video. I learned a ton of new stuff. I appreciate it.

[@j.j.q1379]

Love love your videos. Thanks for another great video

[@JonSupko]

Secret "Hitchhiker's" reference at the 14:40 mark!

[@KingKuuga]

14:38 Slick Hitchhiker's Guide reference

[@ZacJAWilliams]

14:38 Nice Hitchhiker's Guide reference! 😂

[@conniethomas4753]

IP application kingdom?

[@jonathanrose829]

I am so sick of seeing ad promos in every feaking KZbin channel.

[@tulinfirenze1990]

Especially considering how much you pay to watch the content, hey??? Wait a minute.....

[@mattk.3645]

MGM didn't really exist in the way you describe. Kirk Kerkorian was selling parts of MGM off. The studio was a faint shadow of the company's former self.

[@stanfordite]

MGM will rise again like a phoenix from the ashes to rule Hollywood again after Congress breaks up the media giants under antitrust, gives the studios back to the families of the studio bosses of the Golden Age, and the old Studio System comes back. MGM will once again belong to the descendants of the great Louis B. Mayer and with "more stars than there are in the heavens" under contract. It'll be like Commie Kirk was never there. Leo the Lion will roar again. In 2039 it'll be 1939 in Hollywood again.

[@wantedwario2621]

Face?

[@1practicaljoker]

You should have worn Mickey’s sorcerers hat instead of that ridiculous wool cap.

[@toddcribbs12]

Listen Disney's Hollywood Studios is perfect to change the name is like a wrestler who has a good gimmick changing his gimmick to a bad gimmick

[@phillipbielefeld]

Disney is a Big Tech Company that needs to be Close!!

[@590488]

No

[@toddcribbs12]

I hope Disney sees this video can you say lawsuit

[@rossbunting2867]

Who is this narrator? Looks like a British Muslim? Why?

[@tulinfirenze1990]

LMGDAO!!!!!!! A British Muslim in Queensland!!! I just fell off my chair lauging!!!

[@BlackMambaFan124]

Take the face cam off!

[@unknownuser7542]

no, he's hot!